Going Up! Busy start to 2018 with 9% surge in property searches

The property market is enjoying a busy start to 2018, with visits to portal Rightmove up by nine per cent in January compared with the same month last year.

An average of more than four million visits have been made to the website each day so far this month.

As well as a surge in the number of people searching for properties, average prices are also on the up. Rightmove has reported a 0.7 per cent increase in the typical price of a property coming to the market in comparison with January 2017.

Kevin Shaw, national sales director at estate agents Leaders, says: “The early signs for the property market in 2018 are extremely positive, with online searches up and asking prices continuing to rise. The combination of these factors makes it the perfect time to get your home on the market.

“However, it is worth noting that properties are currently taking slightly longer to sell than this time last year, indicating buyers are happy to wait for the perfect home. As such, sellers should choose a reputable estate agents that can market their property effectively, present it at its very best for viewings and ultimately agree a quicker sale at a great price.

The early signs for the property market in 2018 are extremely positive, with online searches up and asking prices continuing to rise

“Overall, our own figures back up those from Rightmove; demand is high, more people are registering with our branches and property values in all areas remain strong.”

The Rightmove statistics also showed people selling homes that are suitable for first-time buyers have the greatest chance of success at the moment, so those thinking of putting a flat or small house on the market should do so now.

Kevin adds: “The government’s decision to abolish Stamp Duty for most first-time buyers has taken thousands of pounds off the cost of getting on the ladder, making it easier for this group to buy and also for second-steppers looking to sell to move on.

“I expect first-time buyers to act quickly to snap up properties now before Stamp Duty savings are counteracted by rising house prices, so sellers in this market need to get their home on the market in the first quarter of 2018 for best results.”

For more information on selling a property contact your local Leaders branch or visit leaders.co.uk